James also signed a new deal in Cleveland this offseason, adding to a Cavaliers luxury tax nearing $170 million. Now it's time for the well-paid roster to make a return on Gilbert's commitment to putting the best possible team on the court, much like James' favorite baseball team - the New York Yankees.

"(The Yankees) don't win it every year but that's what they believe in. They believe in going out there and getting the best talent that can play," James said. "When you have an ownership group or a collection round that believes what it's going to take, then money is not an object."